Ihor Klymenko is to become Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council
The Head of State announced this on 17 July. According to Mr Zelenskyy, the decree appointing Mr Klymenko is already being drafted.
“Ihor Klymenko will continue to serve Ukraine in the field of defending our state and its people. I have offered him the post of Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine,” the President stated.
The appointment has not yet come into effect pending the publication of the decree. Currently, Rustem Umerov remains listed as Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council on the Council’s official website. The Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council is appointed and dismissed by the President of Ukraine.
Klymenko was considered for the post of Minister of Defence
Earlier, Ihor Klymenko was one of the candidates for the post of Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mykhailo Fedorov. Zelenskyy explained that the former head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ experience could help improve coordination between law enforcement agencies, as well as resolve issues relating to mobilisation and the work of territorial recruitment centres.
However, Klymenko’s candidacy was not submitted to the Verkhovna Rada. As recently as 16 July, the President stated that a final decision had not been taken and that the relevant documents had not been submitted to parliament.
Yevhen Khmara has been appointed acting Minister of Defence. Zelenskyy also announced his intention to subsequently propose to parliament that Khmara be appointed as the full Minister of Defence.
What is known about Ihor Klymenko
Ihor Klymenko has headed the Ministry of Internal Affairs since February 2023. Prior to this, he led the National Police of Ukraine, and following the death of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ leadership in a plane crash in Brovary, he initially became acting minister.
Klymenko holds the rank of First-Rank Police General. During his tenure, the Ministry of Internal Affairs comprised the National Police, the State Emergency Service, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service and the State Migration Service.
As Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, Klymenko will be responsible for organising the Council’s work, preparing its meetings and overseeing the implementation of decisions which the President enacts through his decrees.
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